Super Stylist MARY ALICE STEPHENSON’s Rise To The Top

By Eden Herbstman

April 2012

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Before tackling the illustrious career of super stylist and fashion expert Mary Alice Stephenson, I’m going to state the obvious: she is undeniably gorgeous, with amazing model-like legs, and impeccable style. How could she not have fallen into the fashion world? Yet in an industry where outward appearance is coveted by all, individuals like Mary Alice reminds us that hard work, passion, and a warm personality are as essential for fashion success.

One of the most respected individuals in the industry, Mary Alice’s tenacious drive allowed her to work up through the magazine ranks. In her early 20s Mary Alice began working as an assistant editor at Vogue. Before long she had become the fashion editor and director for fashion bibles Harpers Bazaar, Allure, and Marie Claire having worked with A-list style icons such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Drew Barrymore, Cate Blanchet,  Halle Berry, Jennifer  Lopez, and Scarlett Johansson. Not only is Mary Alice the commanding force behind the scenes–styling celebrities, conceptualizing magazine shoots, and consulting for multiple fortune 500 brands–she is also a regular style and beauty expert appearing on a number of major network channels and television shows including ABC Good Morning America, E!, The Today Show, Oprah, Nate Berkus Show, Rachel Ray, Dr. Oz, Wendy Williams and CNN Anderson Cooper’s 360.

She has extended her fashion achievements into the philanthropic arena serving as the National Fashion Ambassador for Make A Wish Foundation. Committed to her fashion philanthropy  she is involved with other organizations including Free Arts NYC, Get Reel With Your Dreams, Bob Woodruff Foundation, and Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. Mary Alice has created magical moments for a number of editorial spreads and red carpet events, and now truly grants fashion wishes through her charitable work. An expert multi-tasker and fashion veteran, Mary Alice is the consummate role model for upcoming fashionistas.

Eden Herbstman: Your achievements in fashion, media, and charity speak to your talent and innovative vision, and to top it off you are a mother. How do you accomplish it all?

Mary Alice Stephenson: No one can do it all on their own! I have an amazing team around me! My family is very supportive, and I have an incredible group of very smart people that help me career-wise. My studio director Denise Caldwell is the backbone of my daily operation. She has run my studio for the last 5 years, and also participates in most of my charitable work. She is a godsend, as are my agents, publicists and managers. It takes a village! But I also work 24/7 and am truly one of the hardest working people I know. It is not an easy balance, but so far, so good!

EH: Your first job in the fashion industry was working with Vogue as an assistant editor to Anna Wintour. Did you ever think at the time that your career would evolve to where it is today?

MAS: I was a fashion assistant at Vogue and that experience was a life changer! I consider it an honor to have spent time learning from so many incredible editors, and I loved every second of my time there, and at all the magazines I have worked at for that matter. To answer the second part of you question: Yes, I knew my career path. You have to see it to be it!

EH: Who were some of your fashion icons you looked up to when you first started out in the industry?

MAS: I’ve seen so many pretty clothes on pretty people, but my style icons are not women or men that just have great style, to me it’s so much more than that. Who cares what it looks like if it does not help someone it’s just not as beautiful. My style icons are people who have taken their talent and love for style, created something magnificent with that, and then used their gift to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Evelyn Lauder, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan are examples of who my fashion heroes are, because of all the good they have done to helped others.

EH: Do you have any career or life philosophies that have held true for you over the years, and may have contributed to your success?

MAS: I saw this great quote the other day that basically sums it up: “It’s about hard work, compassion, kindness and faith. It has nothing to do with luck. You get what you give, so give good.”

EH: Would you say you have signature elements that can be found in all of your work, whether it be styling for the red carpet or a magazine cover, talking fashion to the masses on tv, or consulting for Fortune 500 brands?

MAS: Glamour, spirit, and heart.

EH: What was the most challenging moment you faced in your career?

MAS: I have had many challenges in my career. Dealing with celebrities, deadlines and drama has definitely created some bumps along the road here and there. Challenging moments happen every day, but that’s just life. It’s how you handle these moments that shows you who you are. Honestly, I feel lucky. I am blessed to be able to do what I love every day and help people in so many ways. For me, it’s all about turning challenges into triumphs.

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Based in New York City, Mary Alice Stephenson is a stylist and consultant for fashion brands, celebrities, and Fortune 5oo companies. In addition, Stephenson manages her own consulting firm, extending her expertise even further into the worlds of fashion, entertainment, pop culture and technology.

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LINKS:

Official Twitter of Mary Alice Stephenson

Official Facebook Page of Mary Alice Stephenson

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Written by Eden Herbstman

Edited by Tyler Malone

Photography by Cameron Krone / Courtesy of Mary Alice Stephenson

Design by Marie Havens

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Captions:

Mary Alice Stephenson, 2012, Photography by Cameron Krone / Courtesy of Mary Alice Stephenson

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